also: ゆすのき · ひょんのき
noun
Distylium racemosum; isu tree
An evergreen tree native to Japan and East Asia, known for its hard wood and insect-induced galls. The name 蚊母樹 literally means 'mosquito-mother tree' because the galls were thought to harbor mosquitoes.
蚊母樹は暖地の山地に自生する常緑高木です。
The isu tree is an evergreen tall tree that grows naturally in mountainous areas of warm regions.
イスノキの材は非常に硬く、家具や器具に使われます。
The wood of the isu tree is extremely hard and is used for furniture and tools.
Katakana spelling often used in botanical contexts.
Alternate reading variant in katakana.
Alternate reading variant in katakana.
柞 (いす) is a shorter alternate name for the same tree, but 蚊母樹 (いすのき) is more specific and common.
The name 蚊母樹 (literally 'mosquito-mother tree') comes from the observation that galls formed by insects on the tree were thought to breed mosquitoes. The reading いすのき is of uncertain origin, possibly from an ancient name for the tree.